260 History of Hingham. 



In 1879 the town voted to place the Fire Department in charge 

 of a Board of Engineers, who took control May 1, 1879. George 

 dishing was elected chief engineer, and has continued in that 

 office to the present time (1893). After the introduction of 

 Accord Pond water there was gravity pressure enough to throw 

 water over the highest buildings. There was no further need of 

 engines, except perhaps at the south and west parts of the town, 

 in streets to which the water pipes did not extend. The town 

 voted to take water from the Hingham Water Company and set 

 fifty hydrants, — which number has since been increased, — and 

 purchased a new horse hose-carriage, capable of carrying 1200 

 feet of hose, which was stationed at the junction of North and 

 South streets, and named "Isaac Little." It was built by Abbott, 

 Downing, & Co., of Concord, N. II., and cost the town 8<>70. 

 Hiram Howard was chosen foreman. 



In 1881 Engines 1 and 3 were put out of commission and the 

 companies disbanded. Hose companies were formed to have 

 charge of the hose-carriages belonging to those engines. A 

 new four-wheeled hand hose-carriage was purchased, with a 

 capacity for 850 feet of hose, which was placed in the house of 

 Engine No. 3, at Hingham Centre. Its cost was £550, and it was 

 named for the engine " Niagara." 



In 1883 a new four-wheeled hose-carriage was purchased, at a 

 cost of 8585, which was placed in the house of Engine No. 4. 

 at South Hingham, — the engine being still retained, ready for 

 use, but out of commission. 



In this same year "Extinguisher," Engine No. 1. was sold to 

 the town of Proctorsville, Vt., for $245, and her hose company 

 was disbanded. 



In 1884 "Niagara," Engine No. 3, was sold to the town of 

 Needham, Mass., for 8250. 



In 1887 the hook-and-ladder truck, being much out of repair, 

 was sold for 8:25, and a new one purchased of Abbott, Downing, 

 <fc Co. for 81000. It was named " A'oluntecr." 



In 1889 the Gamcwell System of Fire Alarm Telegraph was 

 introduced into the town, at a cost of 83000, and first put into 

 use on the evening of Oct. 27, 1889. 



In 1891 a wagon known as "Hose 2" was purchased. It was 

 built in Concord, N. H., and cost 8500. It is equipped with all 

 the modern appliances, can be run by hand or horses, and has 

 a capacity for one thousand feet of hose. 



In 1892 the two carriages formerly attached to " Torrent " and 

 " Constitution " were placed at the harbor and East Hingham, 

 and designated as " Hose A " and " Hose B." 



The force of the Department in 1893 consists of a Chief Engin- 

 eer ; four Assistant-Engineers ; Superintendent of Fire Alarm ; 

 Hose Companies 1, 2, "3, and 4, fifteen men each ; Hook and 

 Ladder Company, No. 1, twenty men. 



